Originally Posted by
f0zzyNUE
they want to make sure that people are prepared to be at the gate when boarding starts (as IST airport is huuuuge and sometimes it takes 20 minutes to get to the gate from the airport center). depending on the arrival of the plane and the cleaning it can take longer to start boarding. anyway the cutoff time is very strict (for all airlines) - but be prepared to be not accepted in the very last minute. had early departures on other airlines as well (e.g. AF from LHR - I left the lounge at indicated boarding time and when I arrived at the gate 2 min later they already made the last boarding call and were looking for me.
Their intent is reasonable, but the consequences of this decision turn out to be negative. Posting earlier than necessary boarding time annoys J pax and frequent fliers who would rather spend time in the lounge, disturbs peace of mind of connecting pax who may worry their connection is shorter, and if this leads to boarding being finished before posted time, it creates a lot of trouble for the people affected. I expect that after a complaint to SHGM topic starter will be able to claim denied boarding compensation, so it will also cost TK money.